The blog host has led a surreal life, and one of the, um, surreal-est (?) moments occurred several years ago in a Kahala hotel. In a suite, the blog host found himself entertained by two rat-a-tat-speaking guys. One was the actor Sean Penn, the other was gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson. It was during their dialogue when the blog host noted: "Dammit, John Wilbur."

John Wilbur , who recently died, was a Stanford graduate, a professional football player, an activist for pro football players, a UH special teams coach, an agent and, most of all, he was just John Wilbur — loud, opinionated, unfiltered and, dammit, usually right.

If he didn't like an article, he'd smirk: "Nice try."

If he wanted you to write an article, usually about a client (Jesse Sapolu, Rich Miano, etc.) or an upcoming rugby tournament, he would call you. Once. Twice. Five times. And while caller ID offered some resistance, he still managed to find his way into the office for a personal pitch.

If UH's special teams or the offensive line struggled, Wilbur would have his say — loud and unfiltered. Often, those critiques would be voiced during a practice.

Yes, for several years, Wilbur was a regular at Warrior practices. It wasn't easy for him. His knees were shot, so he often used a bicycle to pedal from his car to the practice field's sideline. In later years, he would hobble the distance, using the bicycle as his walker.

Beneath the gruff exterior was ... another level of gruffness. But beneath that, there was a man who fought for his beliefs and justice, who cared about UH football and that it be played the right way, and valued friendships and family.

And he did have many friends. During one practice, the conversation turned to Thompson. Wilbur asked if the blog host wanted to meet the famed writer. Uh, sure, as if this guy knew The Guy. But then two weeks later, the blog host was in a hotel room listening to how Thompson would like to improve the Honolulu Marathon.

Dammit, John Wilbur was right again.

He will be missed.

* * * * *

When you're an old fart, you get to know people for a long time. I've known Tony Tuioti for nearly 20 years. Our first conversation was by phone, when he confirmed he accepted a football scholarship from the Rainbow Warriors. It was fascinating to watch him develop into a very good defensive tackle and team leader.

Through the years, as his resume and family grew, Tuioti became a pretty good coach and talent evaluator. He recruited a 170-pound rugby/volleyball player named Joey Iosefa, and a professional Aussie rules football player named Scott Harding. He spent a year recruiting Mike Edwards. He had a knack for finding JC transfers with three seasons of eligibility remaining (Edwards, Tavita Woodard, Craig Cofer). Penitito Faalologo will be an impact fullback next year. Jerrol Garcia-Williams is a future NFL player.

Last night, Tuioti did not pout nor express anger about not being retained for the 2014 season. He was sad, of course, but mostly because "I'm going to miss coaching these young men."

Tuioti said it was "one of the best things" to coach the linebackers the past two years. "I learned a lot," he said. "It will help me become a better coach."

He added: "You know what UH means to me. I love the school. I love Hawaii. I'll always support the program."

Oh! Bryan Harsin is back at Boise State. Yesterday they say he withdrew, and then today he's announced as the new coach to the Donkeys. Typical! Commit to the Big East then decide to stay in the Mountain West. He should be a nice fit.

From USA TODAY: "There has been significant speculation within the coaching community that Jones might be interested in returning to Hawaii, where he still owns a home and plans to retire, if that job were to open. Hawaii went 1-11 this season, but it appears the school will bring back Norm Chow for a third season."

A-House:
He played for the Cowboys, Rams and, most notably, the Redskins.
I always thought George Allen's Super Bowl team was compelling. Wilbur was a lineman for that Over-the-Hill gang. I admired his career and toughness. Then one day I meet Wilbur — and growing up you never think you're going to actually meet somebody who played in the Super Bowl — and the awe quickly disappeared when he started growling about something.

John Wilbur and Semeri Ulufale had some of the most 'colorful' exchanges while John was coaching special teams. For those who don't know or can't remember, Ulufale was the prototype 'wedgebuster' and was very good at it.
On another note, Coach Tony is a great coach. He was very, very helpful when 'the beast' enjoyed his short but prolific hiatus with the Warrior team before returning to Weber State. Even our blog host had words of wisdom to a sometimes maniacal father, haha.
Sitting in my room at the Encore in Vegas while the Mrs. catches a few winks since we were on the red eye flight. 28 degrees is pretty cold, but change is always nice.
Merry Christmas Tsaikos, let's be grateful for our blessings...and always remember....make memories, make memories, make memories.

#20, had an opportunity to watch John Wilbur in a rugby game at Kapiolani Park after my softball game. One would not want to be in front of him when him came down field. Terrifying Sight!...also Semeri. I still have visions of Semeri flying down field and smoking the wedge. I think some of those guys were pretty intimidated with him also. Might very well be that new rules were enacted because of him...lol
Can't imagine what those two guys might be talking about up there.

Per my note yesterday, I rather fancy the idea of JU, however there are some realities to the situation. One, UCLA is a program that has returned to some of its former glory and will compete for a PAC 12 championship. Two, Moras extension and raise, undoubtably means raises for all of his staff. Three, UCLA has fabulous facilities and boosters. And four, as I recall JU has a growing family with 3 school aged kids---13 10 and 6/7. Thus, consistency of environment, like most parents, is paramount. With all due respect, the UH situation is fraught with volatility at present.

All things considered, UH would have to up the ante in a very sweet way--my guesstimate, mid to high 300s--and that is if he is indeed interested.

40. We would all love to have Jeff back. But the way his career is looking, I highly doubt it's a possibility. He has job security at UCLA, a big time LB corps, and the uncertain future of what Hawaii's future looks like.

The D shut out Colorado ST the second half but Chows O couldn't produce. Chows 4 runs up the middle against SDSU lost the game! D didn't help but it was Chow... I have to say he did setup that win against Army tho with that play action. Had Chow produce some sort of offense in the 3rd against Navy its a different game. Special teams lost that game with Scott harding out. If chow produce 3pts in the 1st or 3rd qt against UNLV we have a win. Against Nevada Chows offense produced nothing in the 2nd half.

Like I said Im not standing up for Kaumeyer cuz I didn't like our style. But at some point you have to look at the O and say they didn't help our D.

And please don't ever tell me SS was a top 35 QB his stats were inflated by those last 2 games! both of which were against horrible teams!

41--You got that Jeezy--it would be a stretch. Plus I have some peers at UCLA,and if I recall correctly, they have a lab school similar to University Lab School, and well, its free to all staff and faculty up to grade 7th. So, that is also a great benny.

RE# 38
NorthShoreFan -- I don't keep up with current coaches, but UH did have a "dream" coaching staff in the JJ era. Imagine lifelong head coach Mouse Davis, creator of the Run n Shoot, serving as an assistant--wide receivers(?). The indomitable former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville as Defensive Coordinator. Greg McMackin was no slouch either--serving as Defensive Coordinator for 3 NFL and 6 college teams. This attracted Jeff Reinbold from NFL Europe to become a graduate assistant. Of course, JJ was a former NFL head coach who turned down a 2 year head coach deal at San Diego to become the head coach for Hawaii. This dream coaching staff could easily have become a tangled nightmare of multiple bosses, but JJ seemed to have it under control. He knew how to assemble a coaching staff--but I doubt we'd ever find one with around 200 years of college/NFL experience.

Dick Tomey was the defensive Coordinator at UCLA (?) when he accepted the UH head coach job. Bob Wagner was Tomey's Defensive Coordinator when he became head coach. I wonder what Daddy Wags is doing now.

#13: Please don't make me throw up by mentioning Miano's name....and that goes for all you other naysayers, also. Miano for any coaching position on the UH staff would make me regurgitate or diarrhea.....

#39, it's just that there are so much names/coaches being offered as possible/want to have that I thought it might be interesting if there were some "common ground".
I would not be disappointed in any way. As stated just a discussion. No need to discuss if no like. Just 2 pennies being offered.

40 & 41: In addition to your previous posts, Jim Mora, Jr. is Ulbrich's mentor, having served as his DC at the 49'ers from 1999-2003. I remember Ulbrich during radio interviews saying that Mora allowed him to attend meetings with the coaches during the week, and that he was the only player at those meetings. Ulbrich was already preparing for a life after his playing days. I feel that Ulbrich does feel a sense of loyalty to Mora, and that it would be hard to pry him away from UCLA, or wherever Mora is coaching. If we do show interest in Ulbrich, UCLA will do to him like they did when USC tried to hire Adrian Klemm away from them, raise his salary to $350K.

Come on now.... If you really feel that way then I can't help you out....

If you watch the NFL, majority of football games come down to final drives. Winner determined by either getting a stop on D, or offense scoring on final drive. If Hawaii's offense gets the lead with 3 minutes or less to go, it's up to the defense to get a stop. You can't be a HINDSIGHT fan all the time and say well if we scored in the 1st quarter, we would have won..

If Alabama scored 1 more TD against Auburn in the 2nd quarter, that final play wouldn't have happened. That's not how football works...

Just like in baseball or basketball.... I'm not going to blame a free throw missed in the 1st half for losing a buzzer beater at the end of a game. I'm also not going to blame a error in the 1st inning for blowing a 2 run lead in the 9th..

48...You need to check your facts, on a couple of things, and ask around the board, or even the blog host himself, on who played college football? I usually take all things related to the blog with a certain amount of jest...but, if you are not a former warrior and/or played D1 ball, and suited up, I suggest you take a step back and relax.

boola - #43 - as a UHS grad, just wanna clarify that the "Laboratory" in ULS isn't just a name. We were (and still are) guinea pigs/lab rats for UH's Curriculum Research & Development Group. The types of kids enrolled has changed over the years, but it has always been a public school (first funded by UH, now a DOE charter school).

We all agree that Boise State and Utah State MWC defenses were pretty darn good?

Hawaii vs Wyoming 56-59

Utah State vs Wyoming 35-7 (Hawaii scored more points on Wyoming than Utah State! And Utah State goose egged Wyoming until garbage time in the 4th quarter!)

Boise State vs Wyoming 48-7 (No way! Hawaii offense scored more points than Boise State, but again, the Boise defense only gave up 7 points in the first quarter and goose egged Wyoming after that!)

Just comparing one team Wyoming to 2 top MWC defenses and if you look from the Fresno game on with Sean Schroeder leading the offense. The points and yardage piled up just like a RnS numbers but the defense was just too porous and atrocious. I've said it before I don't think a June Jones coached RnS offense or a Dino Babers Baylor style offense can overcome and outscore the horrible Kaumeyer defense this season.

64...First, you question me, and make remarks without knowing a thing about me. Second, a win is an absolute term, there are no gradations--it is binary. The only things that can be clearly defined as consistent, were the following: they consistently did not win; they consistently gave up large amounts of points, 112th in the country in points allowed per game; they were in the top 10 ten teams in the country on points allowed in the 3rd quarter; and their defensive schemes were consistently either out-played, or out-adjusted in the 2nd half of games.

These are all facts, anything else is just an academic exercise of rationale and sideboard.Consistency is only pertinent and important if you are successful, otherwise you start making mediocrity a lofty goal.

The first two games were the only time Kaumeyers defense showed up to play and then it was garbage defense time. We all bitched and complained about the offense the first 2-3 games and then the offense exploded and the Hawaii defense imploded.

I glad you came to your senses and admitted that June Jones offense could not win after the first 2 games. Because thats what I've been saying after the Fresno game it's been down hill for the defense!

whats up you have to look at stats!! look at the game box score. watch the game. IF the Offense doesn't do well the Defense will not do well. We aren't the Steelers or Ravens where we can sit back and let our Defense win games. And if you look at the games where we almost came back.... ONCE THE OFFENSE gets off their ass and do something the DEFENSE gets a spark and makes plays.

I do have a John Wilbur story to share. John was always trying to get any and all ex-players to get involved in Rugby. So, one weekend I make it out to Kapiolani Park, to get an overview of the brutal game. From my perspective, far more rough than college ball--do the math--large poly men, some not waiting for after match to drink a cool one, moving at high speeds, and hitting each other for 2 hours.

Anyway, this one player from the island of Tokelau gets hit right above the eye, a deep gash, but more bloody than anything else. So, he gets pulled to the side, and I witness him getting stitched-up, and so I say to John, " oh, and least you guys have a trainer out here for some of the injuries//!" He replies, "trainer, that isn't no trainer, he one rubbish man"

Like I said I did not like TK aggressive blitz man to man coverage scheme. We often got beat by a dump off pass to the RB. But to blame to Defense and think by hiring a good D coordinator will fix things we are WRONG! A consistent Offense will help our Defense. not necessarily by putting up more points, by keeping the Defense off the field longer to make those adjustments or just to get a breather!

The offense did get on track and moved the ball and more importantly scored a ton of points! We could debate about the defense but Kaumeyer is gone! So now it doesn't matter, but who they hire to replace Kaumeyer as DC does. I wonder if ST has a list of potential coaches for the open jobs at DC, OC, LB coaches?

I don't think people give USC's defense enough credit. They held Washington State's offense to 3 points (defense scored the other 7 on a pick 6). Mike Leach's offenses have been every bit as productive as JJ's offenses and WSU had PAC-12 talent. Even if we were better on offense then we were, it might have been tough to score enough to have beaten them.

Marleysdad Idk how to explain this over and over. IF you have a Offense that could have generated some consistency maybe if the scored 21 pts and kept the D off the field... alittle bit just alil maybe we could have won those games.

Just like in 2010 if our D had played that way. what do you think the outcome of the game would have been? again these are teams with 4 and 5 star guys OSU more like 3-4 star guys

One interesting thing about Chow's teams. They seem to be able to play through the high altitude issues. At Air Force and Colorado St last year and at Wyoming this year, it seems like they had the conditioning to be effective, which is something UH teams in the past had trouble with. Even Mack's best year we ran out of gas at Boulder against a very bad Colorado team.

Notice when other teams have head coaching vacancies. They don't take a lot of time filling their openings. The latest Bryan Harsin returning home to Boise State. He's 37, a Boise high school graduate. As the OC with the Broncos their record was 61-5. Good move I think.

At UH, it takes forever to fill positions. Almost like needing an act of Congress. Hawaii has no sense of urgency. We are always on "Hawaiian" time or so it seems.

And another thing, we will not get Jeff Ulbrich, we will not get Adrian Klemm, June Jones is not returning, and McMackin is not returning as DC either. Look for somebody like a defensive coach who did a very good job at Utah State and try to convince him to come to Hawaii as an opportunity. Or, somebody who did a good job coaching on defense at Utah who Chow has ties. Utah had a very decent defense.

83.. the offense did do that in the 2nd half of the season, problem was the defense got way worse. The blitz scheme was fine, as it produced a ton of TFL, but the problem was that TK used it so often that it was predictable. Opposing teams figured out Laurel and Daley can't cover a RB in open space and found a variety of ways to isolate them. As much as I like NeQuan and Maggitt, they aren't consistent enough to be left on an island as much as they were asked to. The tackling also got worse over the course of the year even though UH didn't suffer that many injuries in the back 7. So not sure what exactly happened there.

UH's defense has always fed off the offense's performance... For whatever reason, the Hawaii defenses always ride the emotional rollercoaster. When the offense gets things rolling, the defense plays fired up and makes plays. When the offense has a few bad series, the defense is plays deflated and gets run over. You can see this pattern with the last 5 or 6 def. coordinators UH has had, maybe further back.

Maybe UH needs to add the sports psychology masters program that Allen Sampson is leaving for.... The UH Football team would be perfect guinea pigs for the sport psychology students to work with.

Texas: Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Stefan Stevenson reports tonight that "Source close to Texas executive council of regents says Nick Saban will be the next Longhorns coach." Simply fascinating to watch this unfold...

Alabama: Gil Brandt has reported that Nick Saban is in negotiations with the Crimson Tide for an extension in the $7 million range. Just a reminder that a deal isn't a deal until it is signed.

95 FUHA for once Im kinda agreeing with you! it wasn't the 2nd half it was the navy game so back 1/3 of the season when joey came back. But I do attribute the defense getting worse due to fatigue and injuries. That's like saying lets give joey the ball 30x a game and expecting him to last the season. Not gonna happen!

94... That's what happens when you have politicians that don't have a clue on how to run an athletic department running the show. Other state schools get things done faster because filling the coaching vacancy (which usually is the highest paid state employee), holds a higher priority on their list of stuff to do. They understand that college football is a major source of revenue and helps the image of the university.

Filling Football coaching vacancies is probably 7th or 8th on the agenda for interim president Lassner. He's more interested in doing what he has to do to remove the interim tag and make his job permanent. Besides AD Ben Jay, Vice President for Budget and Finance / CFO Howard Todo is the other critical piece to UH Athletics. Problem is, his background is a penny pinching accountant. We've seen UH pinch pennies with Chow's contract, I doubt there will be much chance UH pays the next OC/DC, and position coaches anywhere near the high end of the salary range.

Chow needs to be a "head coach" and concentrate on being a good facilitator for his DC and OC. We'll have to see what Chow comes up with for replacements. In any case, Chow and his coaches need to "coach-up" or start looking for jobs.

Chow has a fascination with former Utah players and IIRC all remaining coaches except Naole has ties to Utah - what's the fascination?

one thing is for sure - if Chow does not produce in 2014 - a new football coach will be here for 2015 or his age will become a factor in completing his 5-yr contract.

I may never understand why someone who has never been a HC or never "learned" the in and out of being a HC, his own words, would select grad assistants and make them the core of your offensive and defensive staff

Forget Manny Diaz, he's too expensive. Guys that are or were at BCS schools are well paid.
Coming to Hawaii would be going backwards and a step down. The only way is if that person has some Hawaii ties and wants to come back to the Islands to live.

Congrats to former UH Warrior Keith Bhonapha on being named running backs coach at UW under Chris Petersen. Also read that former UH assistant Chris Tormey is a candidate for the HC job at Central Washington.

in many ways it's interesting how mainland colleges act so quickly in hiring a replacement

Hawaii will be forever tied into the "hiring laws" our legislature put on the books to "protect" us from the bad guys - getting that 'paternalistic" feeling again - ever lasting effect of the Big 5 from the 30s and 40s wherein they "ruled" Hawaii.

however, does this mean that they will change the hiring law? absolutely not!!!!!!

like "congressional" delegates - protecting their position is most important because of all the "perks" accorded to them; especially the retirement benefits (pay and medical) and status while in office.

Why would coach Chow want to leave Hawaii for Alabama? We have great weather, this is home, and his offense is putting up huge numbers now. He'll get everything right next season and I'll have to figure out what to make at the Bowl game tailgate.

112 Jeezy I never said the D played good "consistently" im just saying you cant blame our loses solely on the D. Like so many people saying (FUHA is a major one)

1st major changed needed at the HC. but since that isnt happening. We need a bright offensive mind that chow isnt going to undermind. But thats a far stretch as well. One who isnt affraid of taking a chance and can create a good offensive plan and make 2nd half adjustments.

2nd we need a 4-3 Zone blitz scheme, a bend but dont break mentality DC. Its too hard to find a "shut down" corner or 3-4 linemen in College. especially with these fast paced spread offenses. Idk if you have ever played corner but its prob the hardest position in football especially if you play nickel guarding the slot. 3-4 linemen have to be giants DE 6'4" 260 and up and DTs 6'4" 310lbs n up.

Basically what im saying is we Screwed next season again if we flop on 1 of the two. I agree tho Jeff Ulbrich would be good!

And like you said we need a good JC QB to come in and compete with Ikaika. Graham isnt the answer like ive said from day one all his accolades begun and ended with his father! strong arm tho but i think ikaikas is stronger

119.... Well thats the thing... We know Norm Chow is going to be the HC so he had to get rid of TK is the main point. The defense played awful.... Spurts of playing good isn't going to cut it...

I don't approve of the offense but I do think it got better as the season progressed... We still don't have a OC and Norm Chow is going to hire one. So I don't think anyone on the current staff is satisfied with the offense.

My argument about the offense is they put us in position to win 4 games. Army- W, UNLV, we couldn't get a final stop, SDSU couldn't get a final stop. And Wyoming we just couldn't stop them period. We scored enough that game. Just like Fresno St scored enough against San Jose St. but the defense didn't help them out..

Hawaii has a lot of work to do recruiting... Like I agree that Iosefa was the key. Without him were screwed. That's why I think a JC RB who can do it all should be a priority. Lakalaka is pretty limited and St Juste is more of a all purpose guy. If Iosefa goes down, we need depth.

We signed a bunch of JC LBs last year. But Darzil Washington didn't make it. I would sign 1 or 2 more this year because LBs were awful. JGW and Gener can play. Lataimua showed flashes against Army. Other than that, no speed at LB and lack of depth. Drake Miller is a wild card because he redshirted.

We haven't recruited much in the secondary. ST reported that Higdon was NOT going to redshirt and apparently he wasn't ready and had to redshirt. I thought his technique needed a lot of work and he needed to get a lot stronger. We need some JC DBs bad....

Lets see, Price got paid $120,000 as OC? How much did Kaumeyer get paid? $250,000 I think? Tuioti probably got around $100,000? So roughly somewhere around $400,000 UH has to hire a few coaches. Not great, but not bad either in a tough economy.

Jeezy I agree on the JC Rbs and Dbs. I have to say Mack found better RBs than Chow so far!

And as i Was Saying the Defense did good enough for us to win 3-4 games as well! but the offense didnt help score. we were scoreless in 7 games in the 3rd qt this past season. Unacceptable! the Offense prob directly contributed in atleast 7pts a game in the first 2/3 of the season with turnovers or 3 and outs.

One thing is forsure in my mind is next season is going to be brutal! Expect more of the same. Too much missing pieces to find in one season

I also think Chow needs to let go the reins on Demo and let him fake it once in awhile. Harding could easily throw a pass for a first. You could see Demos fustration becuz chow wouldnt let him. i think we attempted one fake this year and harding still ended up punting

The other question to ask is many points did the defense give up in the 3rd quarter and the second half? You might find that the adjustment defensively wasn't there either, thats why Kaumeyer is not coaching as Hawaii's DC anymore. Anybody can say it's the 3 and outs but the truth is that Kaumeyer defense stunk it up, because even when the offense held the ball for 30min of the game the defense still gave up yards rushing and passing and points in droves. No excuse for the pathetic Defensive Coordinator game planning, scheming and halftime adjustments.

Because I think your reaching here, you want to blame Chow offense so bad, you defend a grossly bad defense? Thats a huge over reach on your part, if the offense was like the first 2 games all season then you have a real argument about the offense but it picked up and the defense fell off. So if your gripe is with Norm Chow then say it, a lot of bloggers here just admit they want Chow gone. But to reach with a argument about the Norm Chow offense was so bad thats why Hawaii lost and the defense played well, which everyone could see the defense sucked okole.

Admitting the truth that you dislike Chow and your pathetic over reaching argument by defending the atrocious Kaumeyer defense and blaming the Chow Offense for game losses, is the first step in your 12-step program.

I'd like to see JU as our DC but that's wishful thinking. So let me throw this out there, JOE SEUMALO (D line) for Oregon State. He's a UH alum and I think we could afford him, plus I always believed that it helps having a SOLE coach to recruit SOLE players!

128 are you and idiot or what?? i keep saying im not defending his D becuz i didnt think they were that great! the Scheme sucked. But i do know that Chows lack of offensive production impacted the defensive performance or lack there of! To Blame the Defense and not the offense is insane. The offense was shut out of 7 3rd qts. Why are you giving Chows Offense a pass?!!?!?!? Im not over reaching! obviously you like and inconsistent offense and 4 runs up the gut in a row when your QB thrown for 500yds and 3-4 Tds.

A good QB has become available. Baker Mayfield is seeking to transfer to another school from Texas Tech. He earned the starting job as a true freshman walk-on this year. After the mandatory transfer rule, he would have 3 years to play.

Read your old posts and and you will notice you are defending the atrocious Kaumeyer defense and reaching to blame Chows offense. Listen, every offense stalls and has turnovers or what not. Even the Oregon offense stalls and has turnovers, 3 and outs and its up tempo too! But the difference is that winning teams like Oregon have a defense that helps there team more than Hawaii Kaumeyer defense did.

Make all the excuses you like but Chow offense put up a lot of yards and a lot of points and I'm going to take the higher ground this time and not call you names in retaliation. However, if your still sour over McMuffin okole getting fired or you just dislike Chow just say it and make your point. Then press on and support the team and repeat the same stuff over and over.

152 if every offense is allowed to stall then every defense should be allowed to stall too! Oregon averages 40 something pts a game. the games they lost i guess the offense must have stalled right! your the one who needs to stop reaching. You have no statistics to back your arguement!

saying Chows offense was good this year is the same as saying Kaumeyers D last year was good. Kaumeyers D was 11th in passing last year and 41st overall D. Yet we still were horrible and got blown out each game!

Jonj I had high hopes when TK came in as DC but his play calling was pretty bad... playing tight man on 3rd and long wayyyyy too much. As far as the offense goes I think the play calling improved as the season went along.

Do i praise TKs D, NO
Do i think they were as horrible as the stats say. NO
Did chow offense improve. Yes (when joey got back Navy game)
Was chows offense horrible. Yes (2/3 of the season) the other 1/3 Opponents got worse especially the last 2 teams
Did chows offense Hurt TKs D. Yes
was hawaii 112th on 3rd conversions. Yes
Does chow suck as HC. hell yes

I enjoy reading your "matter of fact" input on football. It is clear to me, not only do have valuable insight to the game, but to the Warriors team and players as well. While others are spending their blog time trashing everything from the UH Administaration to the coach and even some members of the team, you provide an interesting and fair evaluation of the players and the team's problems. Additionally, you don't hesitate to give praise to the team for the good things.

This leads me to two questions. One is do you think Coach Chow would be able better contribute to the offensive success next year by returning to the press box. I think it is clear that he has a great offensive mind, but it just seems to me that it would be easier with a view of things upstairs during the game (something he is used to).

The next question have you ever considered applying for coaching job with UH? From what I read in your comments during this past year, I think you would have a lot to offer.

Thanks for your time and comments this past year. I look forward to following your comments in the off season as well as next year's seaon.

whatever happen to Justin Vele - as some posted many months ago, he was a beast at MLB, but got moved to FB - did he "red-shirt" in 2013?

MPO, if Chow gets more former Utah players to be coaches, perhaps a caution in the wind is that if UH does make a bowl game in 2014, they will be out of a job - don't know how many of you are beginning to praise the Utah GAs as being outstanding future coaches but a season or 2 does not qualify them to be like "al's" holy grail; just MPO

doesn't matter who becomes the coaches to fill in the open slots, but hope they are excellent teachers who are knowledgeable, experienced and can relate to and teach the players - remember, being an excellent player may not translate to being an excellent coach.

IMPO, Chow is already behind the 8-ball as the positions must first be posted, then wait for the applications, then wait for screening, then interviews, then selection (maybe)

hello. esteemed legislature - how about giving UH the authority to "by-pass" some of the above to get the ball rolling and support UH football

Lets start the campaign for Jeff Ulbrich for DC!! Would be a smart move he can replace both coaches who were just let go as DC/LB coach...cough up the money and pay him. He not only has experience with a PAC 12 team but also coached with the Seahawks

If we gonna go with Wynn at OC he should come very cheap. We need to pay Ulbrich probably about $250k and hire a WR coach. I think TE coach should be let go as well. TE have not shown much improvement nor have I heard him mentioned as point recruiter for any recruits, maybe 2 or 3

OK i give up Chows offense is the best... kaumeyer Sucks and TT thank god theyre gone cause now the football team has no where to go but up! I think hawaii will go 12-0 under the new exciting offense that chow has brought to the table! those last 2 games the offense has shown so much progress and i fully expect Chow to finally right the ship now that hes gonna have 3 seasons of recruiting.

#175 too young but went without electricity for about a year after huge typhoon blew flat the island we were on. For few months stood in line to get a hot dinner from military base that had generators. No hot bath for that period. Light was by Colman and candle. Lots of canned food, no refrigeration (of course).

That's part of the problem with keeping a lame duck coach...who is gonna want to come here to coach when they know Chow will probably be fired next year? They will have no job security, so we will need to take a chance on a young coach. Should have started a new

Jeff Ulbrich's contract pays him 275 G's through the 2015 season. If I'm not mistaken, all if the UCLA coaches will get a small raise as a result of the rumor that UW was taking a liking to Jim Mora, before settling on Chris Petersen.

190...If the trend continues how it has we are going to lose a lot more next year then what it would have cost to buy him out. You are probably part of the small minded thinks that also thinks our ticket prices are too high, when we pay less then most of the nation for tickets

is it any wonder that a coach comes in and produces a state champion in his second year to a school who has only one such championship under their belt...is NOT selected as "coach of the year" by his peers.

was it coincidence that there were more district exemptions to said school than all of the other schools in that division?
there's more but who cares right? as long as its kept away from the university of hawaii and the ncaa.

What UH needs right now is a Coordinator with the title "Head Coach in Waiting". The only way this is going to happen is if the Board of Regents get off their "okoles" and think big and think of the future. There is merit to comments like #188. If / When Norm Chow gets fired the program will still need stability and transition and will only happen with a "Coach in Waiting"...that's just my opinion...

When growing up, a lot of what my dad said went in one ear and out the other. I was so excited as a teenager to get my VW bug painted by a place on Nimitz that was giving a paint job special for $385. Dad said, "be careful, you always get what you pay for." Never understood what that meant, until I had to re-paint the car again later for five times the original investment.

Now I understand, "you always get what you pay for."

Even Wyoming is willing to make an investment of $750,000 a year in their new football coach. We pay our coaches less than market value, then expect them to perform way above market value. Very interesting.

Regarding Ulbrich, At least we should ask. His feeling for Hawaii, "It was the smartest move I ever made," Ulbrich said. "Not only did I fall in love with the place and the program, I met my wife, Cristina, on my recruiting trip.

I'm sure his wife would love to come back to Hawaii and raise their kids here. He can assume both the DC and Linebackers coaching positions with help from a GA.

At UCLA, he serves as Assistant Head Coach, special teams and Linebackers coach.

al, no one forced those kids and their parents to transfer to Kaiser. Miano and his coaches created a program which attracted kids to the program. Kaiser doesn't have the luxury to offer scholarships and special private school privileges like Punahou and Iolani. The coaches at a Kaiser created a roadmap to success that any coach can follow. I know Rich is on you sh## list but there is no need to make up crap here because of some personal grievance with him.

I think if we could get Ulbrich on the staff it would help to sell some season tickets and create excitement for the program. Who better to turn around our program then the face of our D from the 99 turn around

#194. Earlier in the season when the O was struggling I posted that Chow should ask the Punahou Mafia for some funds to make Rolo an offer he couldn't refuse. The post was half in jest and half to put the thought out there.

But how the personnel dynamics worked out this season I doubt Chow and Rolo could co-exist.
Rolo is his own man. Chow works best with followers. Rolo is looking to make his mark. Chow is looking for grasshopper to pass on his legacy.

I think Cal Lee would have been a terrific defensive coordinator but not sure how things are with Lee and Chow. Ron Lee knows the run and shoot but his hands were tied under Coach Mack. The Lee brothers again Coach Chow?

I would like to see Colt or Timmy as QB Coach.
I would like to see the Noga brothers as line coaches
I would like to see someone like Jeris White as DB coach
I would like to see Stuzman, Bess, Lelie as receiver coach
I like to see Sims as a running back coach

All are UH products, some of them are even Hawaii residents.

BUT HOW MANY OF THEM WOULD BE GOOD COACHES? It is all well and good that we would consider any one of them or all of them as coaches. But the question still is can anyone of them be an outstanding coach?

I think to validate a coach as proven, they would need a QB like Keeton, Carr, Fales, Fajardo, B. Smith, Colt, Rolovich the player, etc...

No matter what anyone says, the best recruiter Hawaii has had is still June Jones. He may not work the hardest, but he works the smartest.... He can find guys like Greg Salas, Reagan Mauia, Kealoha Pilares, Ryan- Grice Mullins, etc on his couch..... And I'll take that over a coach working his #$% off coming back with lesser quality players regardless of who we beat out.

Another thought that Coach Chow might consider hiring locally since his tenure is questionable after next year. It would be better than bringing in someone from the mainland and having to relocate to Hawaii with the possibility of not being around after one year.

old diver its true no one forced them but they were "encouraged" to transfer.
it did not come about without "suggestion".
how did some outer island kids land in Hawaii kai?
how did the parents afford to watch every game?

btw, I do not make things up. I have birdies, they don't have forked tongues.

jeezy...half of those guys were not rolo's recruits.
alexander was. rolo had miah masoli in his pocket, twice. twice mack rejected him.
masoli is still playing ball in cfl and will camp out here off season. great kid. btw.

Tony getting the credit for coach Macks recruiting I see. Coach Mack sent Tony to recruit those players. He has more connections then Tony you know. I know for a fact that Tony didn't recruit Penatito, he's my nephew so I should know.

The one thing we can all agree on is as a team they need to work on consistency and efficiency. There were times our defense looked phenomenal and times our offense looked unstoppable but there was also times where we looked outta place both offensively and defensively. 3rd down conversions on both offense and defense was horrendous this year we had many times we went 3 and out and give up big scores the next drive that cost us games but we also had multiple 3rd and long situations that resulted in 1st down after 1st down. People want to point fingers but the one thing i know is this team NEEDs to get better

Al..you claim to know it all...then you must knOw scoops on Chow. You seem to put down players and other coaches and protect chow. Wondering why? Program in shambles but only digs you have are for past coaches and players.

If your football team wins 1 game and gets rid of their LB coach, I don't think it will be a mistake... I guess Hawaii could go winless next year but either way, no matter who you get rid of, you're not making a whole lot of mistakes getting rid of coaches on a team not having success.

So we had two very poor losing seasons and the coaches to be blamed are Tom Kaumeyer and Tony Tuioti! They get released by the HC who, in this situation, is supposedly blameless but whoa. This is a money game. Ben Jay has to play with the money on hand and its not much. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your next CHOW TIME.

235. No one's blaming those 2. When you win 1 game, changes have to be made. Have to look where you struggled the most and trim the fat and try to find something new to upgrade. Chow won't fire himself so offense isn't going to change a whole lot. Naeole did a good job so he isn't going anywhere. Wynn did good as a grad assistant so he's not going anywhere. ST was pretty solid minus Hadden not being able to make FGs consistently so Demo is safe. I'm a little surprised Daronte is safe considering our DBs got burned so often but that might be due to Kaumeyers style of defense more than his coaching.

Well, not sure who's likely to be the new additions to Chow's Staff, but I hope its not some John Doe that no one has heard about. Worst thing that can happen is when it's announced everyone has to scramble to do an internet search to get information due to some obscure name.